Month: February 2017

Time seems to be slipping through my fingers at this point and although I am now up to 12 miles, it has not been easy. I am still running 3 times a week. My Sunday is my longer run, followed by a Tuesday recovery run, and a Thursday night 8 miler. I have started eating A LOT and napping whenever I get the chance.

Sleepy cuddles with Papa Smurf

Since my last blog, I have been up to London to the Virgin London Marathon ‘Ask The Experts’, it really was a great day and I learnt a lot. I was a bit skeptical about going up on my own but I met so many different people and runners from all over the country – amazingly there were over a thousand runners there! The day was more for first time marathon runners like myself and it was a chance to find out what to expect on the day, get injury advice and other things such as, what to wear on the day. Ultimately, it was about learning how to get the most out of potentially, one of the best days of your life.

Guests included – Hugh Brasher (the son of the Founder of the London Marathon), Shannon Foudy (one in a million runner from VLM 2016), Sport Psychologist – Josie Perry, Kerry McCarthy (The Editor from Runners World) and many more including a great talk from Martin Yelling. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Liz Yelling (Martin’s wife) at the Fareham Crusader Question and Answer Session, and she is also ridiculously knowledgeable in all things running related. There was a #reasontorun booth too – take a look at my picture! My reason to run is to make my friends and family proud, but like my good friend Neil Smith suggested – you should also be running London to make YOURSELF proud – he has a good point!

#reasontorun

Adidas were also there and I went a bit crazy on purchasing some official London Marathon kit at discounted price. I’m terrified of wearing it BEFORE the actual event though as I feel it would be tempting fate! The official colour this year though appears to be blue for the ladies, with peach detail. I love it!

Adidas gave us a sneak preview!

The day after ‘Ask the Experts’, I ran my longest run with some awesome ladies who were great company. Most of our run consisted of overlooking the solent at Lee. The miles go by so much quicker when running with friends, you really do get to know each other really well! I have to be honest, I struggled with the last mile. Because I run on my forefoot, my calves were absolutely screaming by mile 11 and I was tempted to stop. Thanks to the girls, they kept me going for one more mile…. Keep an eye on the back page of Women’s Running next month, you may just spot us ;0)

Cathy Pittick, me and Joy Smith…we love a good natter!

Yesterday I had a ‘short run’ (ahem indeed), this involved 8 miles with more running friends. I again struggled on the last mile and so I need to dig out my Psychology textbooks and practice what I preach. My next long run is 14 miles… I’m worried I will get half way round and need to jump on a bus…

So we are now in February which means only 79 days to go until the London Marathon… EEEEKKKKKK! Overall I am relatively happy, despite being about three weeks behind due to illness. I am confident that I will be able to catch up – albeit slowly. Since my last blog, I have enjoyed some X country sessions with my running Club, the Fareham Crusaders. Captain Aaron took us on a magical mystery tour on the rainiest day this year which can only mean one thing – MUD!!!!

Sunday Running – Rain and Mud!

Let’s be planes

The great thing about X country is that is strengthens ankles and core and is much tougher than road running, which means when you get back to the road, it should be easier! I absolutely love X Country, for me these runs aren’t about speed and the views are fantastic.

I am pleased that the weather and my training is finally into double figures… both at the magic 10! I have to be honest though, I am massively struggling with the mileage and hope that my body can start to adapt so soon after illness.

I have been running three times a week and also weight training for muscle strength, I really do need to sort my diet out though. I’m not a fan of pasta, but really need to start eating some complex carbs! My training consists of a recovery run on the Tuesday (3 miles), 7.5 miles on the Thursday and a longer run on a Sunday (which is increasing steadily each week). This Sunday is a 12 miler. I am gutted that my training partner Lyndsey has an injury at the moment and we are hoping that it is muscular.

Nothing beats a good training partner…

I have had a niggle myself this week, with my Achilles reminding me not to overdo it. I think I am just going to slow my pace down a wee bit just to keep them happy. My Achilles are the thorns in my side and I had to defer my 2016 place in the London to this year because of chronic Achilles tendonitis- frustrating! I’ve tried to nip any injuries in the bud before they escalate by visiting the lovely Sharon Gwynn at the Rural Retreat in Wickham for a decent sports massage and Gary Sadler (physio) in Cosham for some Shock Wave therapy. (I can’t big this treatment up enough).

My sports massauge, sharon, looking like she is enjoying this a bit too much!

Right, im off for my 7.5 miler in this wind and rain before I change my mind!